Water Strainer Install Advice

[treeskier]

Its that time again and the boat is in being de-winterized. I ended last year by breaking in a new port motor. The failure was caused by a deteriorated/clogged exhaust manifold/cooling system. During the new engine break-in we meticulously monitored the engine temps with a IR gun. I noticed that starboard motor was running a tad hotter so I am having the starboard manifold removed and checked for clogs and deterioration.

I am considering installing a water strainer system before putting the boat back in since everything will be clean and or new.

Any advice or install pics to share.

Thanks

 

[4x15mph]

@treeskier , see a picture of my install here - https://jetboaters.net/threads/strainer-install-pictures-and-great-results.6967/

It is a very easy install and a must-have especially once you see what you will strain out. You could add in the tow valves at this time if you don't have them already. I decided I do not want them and if I ever have to tow, I will pinch the water line.

 

[treeskier]

Awesome thanks again I knew I could count on you to jump in. I almost just PM'd you but I thought others may be interested in refreshing this topic as well.

We have a lot of very fine sediment that ultimately builds up and acts like concrete. I always flush after I run it but on the hose it doesn't "pee". I also pinch if I need to tow or have a motor out...unfortunately I became very familiar with running on 1 motor last season.

I'll post some photos of the install when it is done. Did you use island racing's kits?

Thanks again.

 

[swatski]

I always flush after I run it but on the hose it doesn't "pee".

I believe that is why @Gym uses his aftermarket tow valves - to make flushing possible while in the water and to stop water "escaping" through the pump nozzle.

I've been thinking about this mod (or two mods - valves and strainer) for a while, the only thing that gives me pause is - I can't figure out how much of an obstruction would it cause for the flow.

My wake surfing ballast install has taught me not to underestimate how much a smaller valve diameter can impact flow, lol - it's exponential!

I really want to do it, though. @ISLANDRACING kit should be the way to go, right?

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[4x15mph]

I used the island racing kit. I also disconnected the cooling line that goes out to the pee hole and blew compressed air through it. It was definitely restricted over the many years and now I get better flow. I would do this while you are at it....

 

[Speedling]

A couple times a season i need to get bugs out of the pee holes. I use a thick weed whacker line and it usually does the trick. Usually a sign of not boating enough!

 

[the MfM]

A couple times a season i need to get bugs out of the pee holes. I use a thick weed whacker line and it usually does the trick. Usually a sign of not boating enough!

I disconnect the cooling and use a 60cc syringe to back flush it.

 

[Scottintexas]

I've been thinking about this mod (or two mods - valves and strainer) for a while,
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@swatski why do you want a filter? I know your river water consistency is sometimes similar to molasses but our 4 stroke nozzle filter keeps the pebbles out, do you think the filter will help with the silt ? I would think something the filtered the silt would clog before you were out of the marina,

 

[swatski]

@swatski why do you want a filter? I know your river water consistency is sometimes similar to molasses but our 4 stroke nozzle filter keeps the pebbles out, do you think the filter will help with the silt ? I would think something the filtered the silt would clog before you were out of the marina,

Good point! I agree! and that's why I don't have one yet - just been thinking...
More along the lines of a "strainer" than "filter" - thinking if there ever was a breach of the factory mesh/filter/screen resulting in ingress of some small rocks. But I agree - it is extremely unlikely.

Importantly, I do not want to slow intakes by applying obstructions - in a form of a strainer and/or a intake valve.

So - for now - I'm running stock.

And I need to remind myself that I've been running "unprotected" with various o/bs in that river for many years. I have had clogging issues, but it was more of the surface stuff - like needles and leaves - clogging just the intakes at low speed.

EDIT: Clogging of the "pee holes" is different all together. Can be a result of bee activity, I have seen this in the past, but it has NO EFFECT on cooling. The pee hole lines are just indicators, and useful for flushing.

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[4x15mph]

Agreed, I wouldn’t install a strainer if I had a newer boat with the screen on the intake

 

[ISLANDRACING]

...This pwc had a "screen" in the pump. You will be surprised how much gets past those tiny holes in the OEM screens. You will also be suprised just how much "stuff" passes through you cooling system that you dont know about.

 

[swatski]

...This pwc had a "screen" in the pump. You will be surprised how much gets past those tiny holes in the OEM screens. You will also be suprised just how much "stuff" passes through you cooling system that you dont know about.

Damn. Not what I wanted to see! lol.

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